MEED's Building Tall 2008 conference to explore challenges and motivations in delivering tall buildings in the Middle East

However, finding the balance between cost and design is vital to ensuring that such projects become viable commercial concerns.

At Building Tall 2008, hosted by MEED on 10-11th June at the Park Hyatt in Dubai, industry leaders will come together to discuss how building tall can be done profitably. More than 150 delegates will hear from speakers actively involved in projects including Burj Dubai, Silk City, Pentominium, Burj Al Alam and Business Bay Towers, about the business case behind delivering tall towers.

Delegates will learn that projects such as these are putting the region on the map - and there are no signs of the appetite for tall, iconic structures abating - despite the many pressures facing architects and building contractors in delivery. Issues such as design and structural challenges, economic viability, sustainable building strategies and safety must be understood and fully addressed before embarking on such initiatives.

Eddie O'Sullivan, chairman, MEED Events comments:

"The Middle East is playing host to a wide variety of mega projects, many of which include iconic, tall buildings. These concepts, however, must prove that they can become viable economic successes before they can get off the ground."

"MEED's Building Tall 2008 gives engineers, architects, contractors and developers the chance to discuss the challenges and motivations behind building tall - and how to do so successfully."

MEED's Building Tall 2008 brings together a host of knowledgeable figures including:

· Tim Judge, Infrastructure Director, UAE, Parsons Brinckerhoff

· Andy Davies, Director of Structures, Hyder

· Bishoy Azmy, CEO, Al Shafar

· Ahmad Abdulrazaq, EVP High-rise & Structural Engineering, Samsung